Between intriguing new cases and troubling personal developments, Precious' hands are full. The four Miss Beauty and Integrity pageant finalists may have questionable moral fiber, and the brother of an important government worker has allegedly been poisoned. On top of all that, Precious' reliable fianci might be hiding something.

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Publisher's Summary

The quick-witted, good-natured detective Mma "Precious" Ramotswe shines in this irresistible best seller. It continues the charming series that began with The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, hailed as one of the "International Books of the Year and the Millennium" by the Times Literary Supplement

Between intriguing new cases and troubling personal developments, Precious' hands are full. The four Miss Beauty and Integrity pageant finalists may have questionable moral fiber, and the brother of an important government worker has allegedly been poisoned. On top of all that, Precious' reliable fianci might be hiding something.

Life is more difficult than ever at the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, but it's nothing a little clear thinking and a few mugs of bush tea can't candle.

Precious Ramotswe, a "traditional" African lady solves the many problems that crowd into her life with grace and intelligence. Although her main mystery is that of an important government worker who fears his brother is being poisoned by an unworthy sister-in-law, Mma Ramotswe finds time to deal with a handicapped foster child, a fiance with health problems, and the needs of her valued assistant. She sails through adversity and washes away the muddles with bush tea and common sense.

The book is beautifully read by Lisette Lecat. Smith's musical prose is enhanced by her talents, and life in Botswana comes alive. It is a wonderful listening experience.

These stories are not so much mysteries as they are windows into faraway cultures. Precious Ramotswe is a real Miss Marple -- she deals with people's problems based on her knowledge of human nature. This engaging book is full of fascinating characters and you'll want to see how Mma Ramotswe handles them all. Listening to these books really heightens the experience as you'll find out how Molepole and Gabarone and all these wonderful names should be pronounced. I love these books in print and I love them on audio.

Occasionally I get a bit tired of No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books, though after a break I soon return. Morality For Beauitful Girls exceeds any caution I may have held. I believe it presents the maturation of McCall Smith's approach in this series at his best: well-timed and well-tuned wit, character self-analysis in just the right balance with the unfolding narrative, and the presentation of all to admire in Botswanan culture and world outlook. This is the one novel I would recommend to a somewhat reluctant newcomer: "Read this one first and you'll revel and wish to emulate surprising characteristics of Mme Ramatswe, her associates, and one nation's realism mingled with hope."

Although this series of books aren't really mysteries, they are all enjoyable reads. This book is weaker than some of the others, and I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series with "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency", but if you liked the other books by this author, you will likely enjoy this one as well. The narration is first-rate (an important quality, in my opinion--a bad narrator can ruin a good book), and the characters are quite endearing. This is a good book if you're looking for a light, entertaining, and well-written story.

A wonderful continuation of an unusual detective's career. While not quite as good as No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, it is still well worth a listen. Precious continues to display wisdom and insight and you can't finish without wanting to take a trip to Africa. I look forward to more from this author.

Retired CFO, Army wife, Mom of five, Grandma of six, two sons who served in combat, love to read books that reflect my values and faith, love mysteries, historical, military stories, and books that don't waste my time . . . if it doesn't have an ending that was worth the wait, I'm not a happy camper.

One of the most soothing and relaxing thing about this series is the narration by Lisette Lecat. I feel like I am there in Botswana, drinking bush tea, and contemplating the the mysteries that need to be solved at No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. The kindness, forethought, and wisdom these two women use in exploring and solving their cases warms the heart. And it gives you insight into the lives of the people of Africa, their customs and beliefs. I am SO enjoying this journey.

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